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As you'd expect from Nikkor ED glass, the versatile 5-35mm zoom on the Nikon Coolpix S6150 compact camera delivers sharp images with plenty of detail. Images exhibit a hint of grittiness even at the lowest ISO settings when viewed at 100%, although you won't notice it unless printing is pushed to extremes.
Like many compact cameras we've tested, the Nikon Coolpix S6150's noise only becomes significantly degrading when you hit ISO 800. Our bench tests indicate that it holds its own up against the S6200, one step up the Coolpix food chain, until ISO 200.
Colours are generally accurate, occasionally erring on the warm side. The reds in particular look a little hot on the LCD monitor, but appear more subdued in the downloaded files.
720p movies from the Nikon Coolpix S6150 are equally as good, appearing smooth and finely detailed. Filming controls are limited, though – you can only change autofocus and white balance, and switch on wind-noise reduction – and the stereo mic has a tendency to pick up the sound from the zoom.
If you opt for continuous focus it also struggles to keep up when zooming, resulting in blurred footage as the camera hunts for a lock. Exposure stepping is also noticeable when you zoom and pan across brighter/darker areas, too.
